Why are we so Obsessed?

[Ensign]

It appeals to our demographic. Most of us are middle aged, middle/upper income men. Growing up in the 80s/90s it was a necessity to have a good watch. It was smart to have a well made, durable watch. A lot of us got Rolexes for graduation presents or first bonuses. Do young fellas get watches for graduation presents anymore?

[denmanproject]

As far as movements go, I have owned a few AP's and while it may be prettier the movements were far from 'better'

Personally I love Rolex for their comfort, versatility and reliability

[Nav01L]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

As far as movements go, I have owned a few AP's and while it may be prettier the movements were far from 'better'

Personally I love Rolex for their comfort, versatility and reliability

APs are not really the best example for „better“ though, as it’s still mostly industrial stuff in the price ranges you can somewhat compare to Rolex. Different when it comes to Lange, Patek, VC, Journe, etc...

[Kostas]

The first thing I noticed when first handling a Rolex was how solid it felt, the feel of unwinding the crown, the tightness of the movement when adjusting it.

Just feels like it’s going to last a lifetime.

And everything just works well as intended, I’ve had other watches where I would struggle to get a fingernail under the crown to pull it out, or other issues but with a Rolex everything is well thought out.

[Old Expat Beast]

Longterm marketing.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Longterm marketing.

Marketing only gets you so far. You still must have a product that backs up your marketing. Otherwise, forget about it.


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[Greglaw]

They are awesome looking timepieces...I’ve owned several over the years from new to vintage...I try other brands but keep coming back...it’s like anything else we just love them.

[mmmmp]

Ever try getting a Lange, Girard Perregaux or Glashutte repaired? Rolex, the one company that *least* needs Service Centers and repair networks worldwide offers unparelled support and assistance to owners. They still support decades old references (within reason) so owners can feel safe knowing their watch can always be repaired & brought up to 'like new' if desired.
History, design, recognition and lifetime support - that's quite a few gòod reasons to buy a Rolex.

As for "obsessed", speak for yourself. I appreciate good quality, I've never been obsessed by anything material.

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[Gerry62]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

Ever try getting a Lange, Girard Perregaux or Glashutte repaired? Rolex, the one company that *least* needs Service Centers and repair networks worldwide offers unparelled support and assistance to owners. They still support decades old references (within reason) so owners can feel safe knowing their watch can always be repaired & brought up to 'like new' if desired.
History, design, recognition and lifetime support - that's quite a few gòod reasons to buy a Rolex.

As for "obsessed", speak for yourself. I appreciate good quality, I've never been obsessed by anything material.

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an obsession? mah...... perhaps..... but pleasant !
if I think of a watch I think of a Submariner STOP
if I think of a car? Volvo, BMW, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Audi ..........

[replicator]

Originally Posted by mmmmp

Ever try getting a Lange, Girard Perregaux or Glashutte repaired? Rolex, the one company that *least* needs Service Centers and repair networks worldwide offers unparelled support and assistance to owners. They still support decades old references (within reason) so owners can feel safe knowing their watch can always be repaired & brought up to 'like new' if desired.
History, design, recognition and lifetime support - that's quite a few gòod reasons to buy a Rolex.

As for "obsessed", speak for yourself. I appreciate good quality, I've never been obsessed by anything material.

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This.. Service is a pain with most other high end brands. Either it’ll cost you and arm or a leg, or take months, or both. Modern Rolex goes a decade easy without a service. Also buyer can feel confident they won’t pull their designs to suit a fad for some quick bucks.

[F33A]

Durability is the key for me. I've worn Rolex watches every day for the last 50 years and never managed to beat one to death.

[D.P.G.]

I don't really care much about any watch other then the GMT Master ll (BLNR) and it just happens to be a Rolex. Being a commercial pilot I find it very useful in all phases of my life. I realize a phone can provide the same information but it's not on your wrist were you can take a quick glance and see 3 time zones without having to think about.

[HKBC]

I don’t agree the hot model in PP or AP is more easy to obtain.

[tomf1994]

There are Rolex enthusiasts and watch enthusiasts. I have a rolex, but am a watch enthisiast. I think rolex makes the best mass produced sports watch in the world. Like a nice german car, you can tell the company paid someone to scrutinized all aspects of the watch. The company has also paid attention not only to the details, but also proportions and how all the elements of a watch go together. I love my expII. To a point.

I don't think the watches are worth the current hype. I got my expII in 2016 for $7100 new from an AD. I couldn't see paying retail or close to it for a used version of the same watch in todays market. I paid $600 more for a GO Panoreserve this year and the attention to detail is the next level above my rolex, IMO.

I think there's a price to pay for a rolex and they should be pricey, but if I was shopping for an exp II or other SS Rolex sports watch in todays market, I think I'd buy from another brand.

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[amanbra]

I like Rolex (used to hate them) because they fit my wrist best out of all the major brands as my wrist is on the smaller side. Secondly, I'd argue the 4130 is basically the best chrono movement out there.

I also like knowing that there is going to be parts and service availability. I'm a collector and don't flip watches. I want to know in 30-40 years time servicing will be available and I don't want to have to ship my watch overseas. As a result I tend to stick to Omega and Rolex.

would i prefer they had a display caseback? absolutely...

[horseShu]

It's too easy to be a Rolex fan. It is one of the most popular luxury brand after all.

You know what's amazing? Panerai fans. Even though the brand is no longer as popular as it once was in the 90's, Paneristi's are the most loyal and die-hard. I salute them.

[Psmith]

Marketing

I don't lust after Rolex, too many other great manufacturers out there.
There's always an element of Kool-Aid in this type of thread, listing off attributes which many other brands have or are better at. And Rolex suffer from QC issues just like another other mass-produced product - we see it here quite frequently and I've experienced it myself several times.
Not bashing, just seeing things minus the marketing/branding/resale fog.

[Ihatecheese]

People love to collect things that they attach emotional value to as well as monetary. Even better if the perceived value is deemed high too. Also some associate this stuff with an element of success. Which also resonates well with some purchasers.
Rolex has extra love due to a combination of the above depending on the person. But it happens in most luxurious brands these days 'i want it in all the colours -look at all the diff colours I bought!'. Not just a watch collection thing.

I'd say Rolex fans typically are less obsessed about the component parts movement history etc than other brands. More the crown.

[chocopeluche]

Iconic Design Language


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[White Collar Boy]

I “lust” after JLC, Cartier, Grand Seiko and Omega watches too. But a big thing for me is Rolex’s value retention. Plus, they look damn nice, and are tough, don’t you agree?

[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

Because you wont impress the women in your local pub with your Patek.

[Polarexplorerii]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Because you wont impress the women in your local pub with your Patek.

there is some truth to that.. but little does she know i’m not rich and it took me over 1 yr to save up for one.. lol

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by Frits1980

Because you wont impress the women in your local pub with your Patek.

You are much more likely to score with a lady by wearing no watch at all and simply acting confident.

[Frits1980]

Originally Posted by Xenon

You are much more likely to score with a lady by wearing no watch at all and simply acting confident.

Nah, flashing and asking if she can tell the time on my sub works better.

[enjoythemusic]

Solid quality, durability, excellent customer service, and they stand behind their products both with a great warranty, and reasonable costs and service times after the warranty has expired.

[Rocco21]

I really don’t know all I can say is that when I put a Rolex on I get a certain feeling that no other watch has ever given me and that goes for more expensive and less expensive watches.

[Mr. Drunmond]

I have more expensive watches, but a rolex is my daily driver because it fits great and i dont worry about it getting banged around at the office because i know its a tank. Plus it isn't too blingy, there are so many Submariner/Seadweller looking watches out there, (meaning diver, black dial, rotating bezel, stainless bracelet) few even pay attention.

[Piguette]

hot items are really harder to get at retail price

[Yuri.Popov]

We can't help it, Its like a drug and there is no rehab for it

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Rolex does not have the best movement, open case backs, or decorated movements for us to look at, etc. but we are so obsessed with this brand. Other brands like AP, Patek etc. check all those boxes AND and a little more easy to obtain (of course more expensive) and an AD. So why do we lust over ROLEX?

To be fair, Rolex as a whole has a fantastic marketing division which makes sure you know their name and logo. Who on earth does not know what that crown means!

Without speaking of their marketing though, their watches do not have scores of special editions nor do they go with fads, just the same old boring designs over and over again. Why do we love it? They are nearly all classics. If my Dad bought a Submariner in the 60's and I bought one today they look pretty damn similar.

They make quality pieces that can outlive anybody, their designs are classic, their reputation is top notch, they also retain their value. I guess that is why.

That being said, I have a high respect for AP, PP, VC, Seiko, and everybody else. However I do not get the same feeling when trying them on. All due respect to those owners, as I am sure they love what they have. Myself I can only imagine being a Crown or Shield owner.